IPO Allotment Status: How to Check Your Shares Quickly

If you applied for an IPO, the first thing on your mind after the subscription period ends is: "Did I get any shares?" The answer lives in the allotment status. Knowing where to look and what the numbers mean can save you time and avoid confusion.

Allotment status is simply the result of the share‑distribution process. When an IPO closes, the regulator and the issuing company allocate shares to investors based on the total demand, the type of applicant (retail, HNI, or QIB), and the final allocation ratio. If demand is higher than supply, not everyone gets the full amount they asked for. That’s why the status can show three outcomes: full allotment, partial allotment, or no allotment at all.

Why Allotment Can Vary

Retail investors (those who apply for up to 2 lakh rupees worth of shares) usually get a lower share of the total issue because the bulk goes to institutional investors and high‑net‑worth individuals. The more popular the IPO, the tighter the allotment. For example, a hot tech IPO might have a subscription of 20‑times the issue size. In that case, the regulator may allocate just a few percent of the applied amount to each retail applicant.

Another factor is the “lot size.” Companies decide the minimum number of shares you can get. If you apply for a number that isn’t a multiple of the lot size, the excess amount is rounded down, and those shares are returned to the pool. That can also cause a partial allotment.

Step‑by‑Step: Check Your IPO Status

1. Log in to your broker’s portal or app. Most brokers display a dedicated “IPO” or “Allotment” section. Look for the name of the issue you applied for and click on “Status.”

2. Use the stock exchange’s website. Both NSE and BSE publish allotment results under the “IPO” tab. Enter your PAN or DP ID and the issue name to see if you got shares.

3. Check the official depository sites. If your broker doesn’t show the result, you can go to CAMS or Karvy (the two main depositories). They have a “View Allotment” page where you type your PAN and the IPO name.

4. SMS alerts. Many brokers send a quick text once the allotment is out. The message usually says "Your IPO allotment for XYZ has been posted. Check your account for details."

5. Know the timeline. Allotment results are typically released 7‑10 days after the IPO closes. Mark your calendar and avoid checking too early – the data won’t be there yet.

Once you see the result, you’ll know exactly how many shares (or how much money) have been credited to your demat account. If you got a partial allotment, the remaining amount is usually refunded to your bank account automatically within a couple of days.

Remember, a “no allotment” message isn’t a failure. It just means the demand was super high, and the shares went to other categories. You can reuse the refunded amount for your next IPO or invest elsewhere.

Having the right tools and a clear process makes checking IPO allotment status a breeze. Keep your broker’s app handy, set a reminder for the expected release date, and you’ll always know where you stand without any hassle.